The 5 Best Blacksmith Hammers

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This wiki has been updated 10 times since it was first published in July of 2020. Unlike the traditional carpentry hammers you typically see in garages and hardware stores, blacksmithing hammers are specifically designed for forging metal. Their heavy weight and large faces are perfect for smoothing and stretching iron or steel during the metalworking process. We’ve assembled a variety of options to choose from, ensuring that you’ll find an option that best fits your needs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Stanley FatMax 56-003

2. Goplus Hammer Set

3. Stanley Fatmax Sledge

Editor's Notes

August 18, 2020:

You might think all blacksmith hammers are more or less the same, but some are more specialized than others.

For instance, cross pein hammers, like the Stanley FatMax 56-003, are preferred for riveting due to the low, flat angle of their pein head. This gives them the ability to hammer smaller, precise areas of metal that their main hammer face would be too broad for.

Rounding hammers, like the Anvil Brand Rounding, have a rounded head, making them preferred for drawing (or lengthening) pieces of metal. These hammers also have a more balanced feel to them, though some blacksmiths prefer the heaviness of a cross pein model.

Blacksmithing can be a particularly dangerous profession, due to the intense heat involved in the forging process. A protective apron is essential to preventing injuries, and leather aprons like these have been protecting blacksmiths for centuries.

If you’re just starting your blacksmith hobby, consider purchasing an anvil to add to your forge.

4. Anvil Brand Rounding

5. AzKS Dog Head


Alexander Rennie
Last updated by Alexander Rennie

Alex Rennie is a writer from Los Angeles, CA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri. Having been a successful residential and commercial carpenter for six years in New York City, he has a comprehensive knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and the world of home DIY. His passion for construction and carpentry keep him up to date on the latest gadgets and techniques, and he never misses an opportunity to patch up a drywall dent or sand down a rough edge. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking the Santa Monica mountains with his family and their dogs, and fostering rescue animals.


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